Digital Ageism

[Lithos]

22. the management company f*d up....

Bad program management on their part. There should have been some system of positive checks where they knew everyone had gotten their new code and an outreach for those who did not.

For those who avoid a major communication tool such as the Internet or Smart Phones - that is your choice. It is much like those in a large town who opt out of car ownership. Sometimes, you can get away with it without any issues, provided there are backup systems such as mass transit, but most times, you choose to live with the consequences.

Unfortunately, our society has good and bad actors. This means creating systems that generate a sufficiently strong defense that these bad actors go elsewhere for easier pickings. Right or wrong, it is in your best interest to create chaos by using individual passwords and changing them periodically. If you are not technologically capable, get something like 1Password to generate and safely store your passwords. Do not use LastPass as it has proven ill-managed. If you are technically capable, you probably have a system for your needs. I typically use Dec 26th or New Year's Day to change my passwords - more frequently if I hear of a breach.

Get used to the idea you have no privacy anymore. You have enough data exhaust that most statistical models can figure out your likes and dislikes to a rather uncanny level.

And spend the time to learn how to use things. You do not have to learn programming or even advanced techniques - but there are easily available videos out there explaining basic use.

Before I get voted off the island for all of this, yes, I know this is hard. However, I am a Baby boomer (ask my kids) who makes a very good living in IT and easily runs rings around the digital generation. Adopt a learning mindset, invest an hour or two each week, and the "compound interest" will pay off.